The ramblings of a pilgrim through time, space, and life.

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Lighter Burdens

This weekend as my cousin, May, and I drove back from General Conference there were quite a few things I was thinking as we talked about a whole host of subjects. One of them did have to do particularly with one of our latest readings going through the BOM. I openly admit I am a couple of chapters behind where I should be, but nothing not easily caught up.

I have always thought about the people of Alma and their being persecuted by Amulon. It was so bad at one point that individuals were put to death if they were caught praying. Our society is no where near this bad, but I suppose it could get that way if we are not diligent. At any rate, it would probably be just as successful as the Amulonites were with regard to Alma’s people. They still cried out in their hearts and sent their silent prayers to heaven. They were still heard, much to the dismay of Amulon.

Anyhow, their prayers brought some pretty good benefits. “And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.”

Those are all great words, and very hopeful, but it is the next two verses that really seem to ring true. “And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.” (Mosiah 24:13-15)

To those who are feeling burdened, lay more faith on the line and send more prayers to heaven. Relay that message and call down the blessings of heaven into your life. Of course, it would have to be done with real sincerity, purpose, and intent. Otherwise it is just the spoiled child asking another gift. As I have written previously, it isn’t always the cure is to be had, or the struggle removed, but an effectual struggle is to be made. This seems to go along with that entry and that line of thought just the same. The burden may remain, but the gift is given to continue with it, but that its effects may be removed from you.

Indeed, it goes with Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Somehow it doesn’t always seem the burden is removed, but our focus changes in such a way we forget it, or it really is not felt anymore in our life. How much does this relate to a bad marriage? How much does this relate to an illness? How much does this relate to an nagging temptation? I don’t really know.

One thing I do know is this, the Prophets of God are upon the earth. The messages are always timely and important. Attending conference with a virtual non-member changed most aspects of my viewing pleasure. It opened whole new doors and changed much of the focus. I recognized how very alive the Spirit is in some people’s lives and they don’t even recognize it, especially my own. Next, I learned how terrible some people feel and are doing in life despite the fact they look happy. Last, I certainly do not understand all the ways of God. The things or comments doing most of the teaching would certainly never have been my guess.

I know when I put my trust in God, my life is happier, my burdens lighter, and my eternity aglow.